Objective: to evaluate the diverse scientific evidence on the methodologies used by Nursing professionals in the production of educational videos. Method: an integrative review. The search for primary studies was carried out in the CINAHL, LILACS and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. The sample consisted of 19 research studies. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using a tool proposed by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice and the results were analyzed in a descriptive form. Results: the methodological stages used for the process to elaborate and make the videos include pre-production, production and post-production. The studies reveal that, for the most part, the stages were properly applied and/or described by the authors, in addition to contemplating the method adopted. However, in 14 studies there was no use of a methodological framework to ensure rigor in their conduction and in 11 presented validation by the target audience. Conclusion: the synthesis of knowledge showed that there is still a need for attention for the construction of educational videos regarding the methodological framework and validation by the target population. The rigorous execution of the methodological procedures necessary for the development of educational videos, aiming to encourage the acquisition of essential skills for the creation of high-quality teaching materials.

Objetivo: evaluar la evidencia científica sobre las metodologías que utilizan los profesionales de enfermería para producir videos educativos. Método: revisión integradora. La búsqueda de estudios primarios se realizó en las bases de datos CINAHL, LILACS y MEDLINE/PubMed. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 19 investigaciones. La calidad metodológica de los estudios incluidos se evaluó usando una herramienta propuesta por la Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice y los resultados se analizaron de forma descriptiva. Resultados: las etapas metodológicas utilizadas para el proceso de elaboración y realización de los videos incluyen preproducción, producción y postproducción. Los estudios revelan que, en general, los autores aplicaron y/o describieron correctamente las etapas, además contemplaban el método adoptado. Sin embargo, en 14 estudios no se utilizó un marco metodológico para garantizar el rigor en su realización y en 11 presentaron validación por parte del público objetivo. Conclusión: la síntesis de conocimientos mostró que aún hay necesidad de atención en la construcción de videos educativos en cuanto al marco metodológico y la validación por la población objetivo. La ejecución rigurosa de los procedimientos metodológicos necesarios para el desarrollo de videos educativos, para fomentar la adquisición de habilidades esenciales para la creación de material didáctico de alta calidad.

Objetivo: avaliar as evidências científicas sobre as metodologias utilizadas pelos profissionais de enfermagem na produção de vídeos educativos. Método: revisão integrativa. A busca dos estudos primários foi realizada nas bases de dados CINAHL, LILACS e MEDLINE/PubMed. A amostra foi composta por 19 pesquisas. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos foi avaliada por meio ferramenta proposta por Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice e os resultados foram analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados: as etapas metodológicas utilizadas para o processo de elaboração e construção dos vídeos compreendem a pré-produção, produção e pós-produção. Os estudos revelaram que, majoritariamente, as etapas foram aplicadas e/ou descritas corretamente pelos autores, além de contemplar o método adotado. No entanto, em 14 estudos não houve a utilização de referencial metodológico para assegurar o rigor em sua condução e em 11 apresentaram a validação pelo público-alvo. Conclusão: a síntese de conhecimento mostrou que ainda há necessidade de atenção para a construção de vídeos educativos quanto ao referencial metodológico e validação pela população-alvo. A execução rigorosa dos procedimentos metodológicos para o desenvolvimento de vídeos educacionais, permitem fomentar a aquisição de habilidades essenciais para a criação de materiais didáticos de elevada qualidade.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approaches to coping with pain, such as patient education, are directly related to the professionals’ skill level. The identification of possible learning gaps in the different stages of training can contribute to the development of new teaching strategies and methods. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the level of knowledge about the neurophysiology of pain and the self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain in undergraduate and graduate students in physiotherapy in Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study, in which the Neurophysiological Pain Questionnaire (QND) was applied to assess the level of knowledge about the neurophysiology of pain. A self-administered questionnaire was also used to collect sociodemographic data from the sample and to assess self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain. The characteristics of the study population were defined by descriptive statistics. For the analysis of QND score distribution and self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. In the bivariate analysis to compare the distribution of the QND score and self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain between the stages of undergraduates and schooling after graduation, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used, with a significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval. The statement Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was used as a guide for reporting the results of the study. RESULTS: A total of 306 volunteers participated in the study, 208 undergraduate students (22.3 ± 3.2 years) and 98 physiotherapists (31.7± 8.7 years). The average QND score for undergraduate students was 6.17 and 8.56 for physiotherapists, considering a total of 12 points. There was a significantly higher difference in the scores obtained on the QND by undergraduates in the intermediate phase and in the last year (p<0.05), as well as in the self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain and perform a biopsychosocial approach to the patient, between the different phases of the course. However, among physiotherapists, no significant difference was observed in the total QND score, and in the self-perception of abilities to care for individuals with pain. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that the level of knowledge about the neurophysiology of pain and self-perception of skills to care for individuals with pain differs between academics and physiotherapy professionals. However, the low QND score of physiotherapy undergraduates, as well as the absence of significant differences in the QND between the different levels of physiotherapist training, suggest that curricular implementation and specific training on pain may be indispensable to increase the level of knowledge and skills of physiotherapists in the treatment of individuals with pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Abordagens para o enfrentamento da dor, como educação do paciente, estão diretamente relacionadas ao nível de habilidades dos profissionais. A identificação de possíveis lacunas do aprendizado nas diferentes fases de formação pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias e métodos de ensino. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar o nível de conhecimento sobre neurofisiologia da dor e a autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor em alunos de graduação e graduados em fisioterapia no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional analítico do tipo transversal, em que foi aplicado o Questionário Neurofisiológico de Dor (QND) para avaliar o nível de conhecimento sobre neurofisiologia da dor. Também foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicado para coletar os dados sociodemográficos da amostra e avaliar a autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor. As características da população do estudo foram definidas pela estatística descritiva. Para a análise da distribuição do escore QND e da autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor foi utilizado o teste Shapiro-Wilk. Na análise bivariada para a comparação de distribuição do escore QND e da autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor entre as fases dos graduandos e a escolaridade após a formação foi utilizado o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, nível de significância de 5% e intervalo de confiança de 95%. A declaração Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) foi utilizada como guia para relatar os resultados do estudo. RESULTADOS: Um total de 306 voluntários participaram do estudo, sendo 208 alunos de graduação (22,3 ± 3,2 anos) e 98 fisioterapeutas (31,7± 8,7 anos). A pontuação média do QND para os alunos de graduação foi 6,17 e de 8,56 para os fisioterapeutas, considerando um total de 12 pontos. Observou-se uma diferença significativamente superior na pontuação obtida no QND pelos graduandos da fase intermediária e do último ano (p<0,05), bem como na autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor e realizar uma abordagem biopsicossocial do paciente entre as diferentes fases do curso. Contudo, entre os fisioterapeutas, não foi observada diferença significativa na pontuação total do QND e na autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor. CONCLUSÃO: Por meio dos achados deste estudo, foi possível observar que o nível de conhecimento sobre neurofisiologia da dor e autopercepção de habilidades para atender indivíduos com dor difere entre acadêmicos e profissionais de fisioterapia. Entretanto, a pontuação baixa do QND dos graduandos de fisioterapia, bem como a ausência de diferenças significativas do QND entre os diferentes níveis de formação dos fisioterapeutas, sugere que a implementação curricular e capacitações específicas sobre dor são indispensáveis para ampliar o nível de conhecimento e habilidades dos fisioterapeutas no tratamento de indivíduos com dor.

Resumo Este estudo analisa o impacto da mudança da lei da cota-parte do ICMS na acessibilidade educacional no curto e longo prazo. Para isso, utilizou-se um modelo de mínimos quadrados com efeitos fixos em dados de corte transversal. Encontrou-se que esta política pública amplia o percentual de matrículas na pré-escola e Ensino Fundamental. Um aumento de 1 ponto percentual na variação da cota-parte do ICMS aumenta em 0,0036 e 0,0021 ponto percentual a acessibilidade educacional no curto e longo prazo, respectivamente. Entretanto, este efeito positivo ocorre sobre municípios menos vulneráveis e que já possuem taxas mais elevadas de acesso educacional.

Physics courses are traditionally known for having high dropout and failure rates. In this paper, drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s Sociology of Education, we analyze the relationship between academic performance and dropout in the Physics undergraduate course offered by Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), campus Bento Gonçalves. The data indicate that failure in Physics 1 and Calculus 1 (due to lack of attendance or poor performance) favors dropout, while passing the course contributes to students’ permanence. On the other hand, it was possible to identify approved students who abandoned the course and failed students who remained. We hope that these results contribute to thinking about the effects of academic evaluations on student retention.

Cursos de Física são tradicionalmente conhecidos por apresentarem elevadas taxas de evasão e reprovação. Neste artigo, baseados na Sociologia da Educação de Pierre Bourdieu, analisamos a relação entre desempenho acadêmico e evasão no curso de Licenciatura em Física oferecido pelo Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), campus Bento Gonçalves. Os dados apontam que a reprovação nas disciplinas de Física 1 e Cálculo 1 (por falta de frequência ou por baixo desempenho) está mais associada à evasão enquanto a aprovação está associada à permanência no curso. Ao mesmo tempo, foi possível observar casos de contratendência. Ou seja, foram identificados estudantes aprovados que abandonaram o curso e estudantes reprovados que permaneceram. Esperamos que esses resultados contribuam para pensarmos os efeitos das avaliações acadêmicas sobre a permanência dos estudantes.

Abstract Background: The present study investigated the effects of pulsed and continuous ultrasound (USP and USC) in edema and hyperalgesia after chronic inflammatory process induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-CFA and analyzing the relationship of the application frequency of ultrasound, in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Methods: Forty-five animals were divided into 9 groups; all animals from groups 2 to 9 were subjected to a persistent inflammation model induced by CFA in mice. We report the effects and the underlying action mechanisms of USP and USC in the animals which were irradiated two, three or five times a week on the left hind paw. The analyses performed in this study were: evaluation of hind paw edema through the plethysmometer, evaluation of thermal hyperalgesia through withdrawal test using a water container at 44.5°C (± 0.5°C), and the plantar region of the left paw which was removed for analysis of cytokines. Results: Our results showed that USP and USC consistently reduced paw edema, and pulsed ultrasound showed a higher significant effect than the continuous mode. Moreover, groups with irradiation frequency of five times a week presented an inhibition of the edema, and groups with frequency of three or two times a week reduced mainly hyperalgesia, in comparison with the control group. The beneficial effects of the US then seem to be associated with upregulation of anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-10 and IL-6, respectively. Conclusion: This study provided evidence that ultrasound constitutes an important non-pharmacological intervention for the management of inflammatory and pain states.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A fotobiomodulação (FBM) é uma importante ferramenta terapêutica para modulação dos processos inflamatórios. Neste estudo, investigou-se o efeito anti-inflamatório e analgésico de duas energias e dois comprimentos de onda diferentes (660 nm e 830 nm) através do modelo de edema de pata induzido por carragenina em camundongos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis camundongos Swiss machos (n=6 animais/grupo) foram divididos em seis grupos: Grupo 1 (controle salino), Grupo 2 (carragenina), Grupo 3 (carragenina + laser 660 nm, 5,88 J), Grupo 4 (carragenina + laser 660 nm, 2,94 J), Grupo 5 (carragenina + laser 830 nm, 5,88 J) e Grupo 6 (carragenina + laser 830 nm, 2,94 J). A FBM foi aplicada 1h após a injeção de carragenina que induziu o edema de pata e a hiperalgesia térmica, os quais foram medidos por meio de um pletismômetro e pelo flicker test em banho-maria a 38ºC (±0,5ºC), respectivamente. As patas esquerdas injetadas com carragenina apresentaram edema local que persistiu por até 6h após sua administração. Todos os animais foram avaliados antes, 1, 2, 3, 4, e 6 horas após a injeção de carragenina. RESULTADOS: A FBM, principalmente o comprimento de onda 830 nm com 2,94 J de energia, reduziu o edema de pata induzido pela carragenina. Além disso, o comprimento de onda 660 nm (5,88 J / 2,94 J) e o 830 nm (2,94 J) inibiram a hiperalgesia térmica induzida pela carragenina após 4h da injeção na pata. CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou-se que a FBM 830 nm (2,94 J) produziu efeito anti-inflamatório mais pronunciado, enquanto o laser de 660 nm (5,88 J / 2,94 J) de energia foi mais eficaz para reduzir a resposta de hiperalgesia induzida pela injeção de carragenina.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an important therapeutic tool for inflammatory process modulation. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of two different energies and two different wavelengths (660 nm and 830 nm) were investigate and compared through the model of carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. METHODS: Male Swiss mice, 36 animals (n=6 animals/group) were divided into six groups: Group 1 (saline-control), Group 2 (carrageenan), Group 3 (carrageenan + laser 660 nm, 5.88 J), Group 4 (carrageenan + laser 660 nm, 2.94 J), Group 5 (carrageenan + laser 830 nm, 5.88 J), and Group 6 (carrageenan + laser 830 nm, 2.94 J). PBM was applied 1h after the carrageenan injection which induced paw edema and hyperalgesia, which were measured by means of a plethysmometer and by flicker test using a water bath at 38ºC (±0.5ºC), respectively. Left paws of mice injected with carrageenan exhibited local edema that persisted for up to 6h after its administration. All animals were evaluated before, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after the injection of carrageenan. RESULTS: PBM, specially the 830 nm wavelength with 2.94 J of energy, reduced the paw edema induced by carrageenan. In addition, the 660 nm wavelengths (5.88 J / 2.94 J) and 830 nm (2.94 J) inhibited thermal hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan after 4 h of paw injection. CONCLUSION: There was evidence that the PBM 830 nm (2.94 J) produced a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while the 660 nm (5.88 J / 2.94 J) energy laser was more effective to inhibit the hyperalgesia response induced by the carrageenan injection.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common oncologic disease among men. Radical treatment with curative intent provides good oncological results for PCa survivors, although definitive therapy is associated with significant number of serious side-effects. In modern-era of medicine tissue-sparing techniques, such as focal HIFU, have been proposed for PCa patients in order to provide cancer control equivalent to the standard-of-care procedures while reducing morbidities and complications. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the available evidence about focal HIFU therapy as a primary treatment for localized PCa. Material and methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review of focal HIFU therapy in the MEDLINE database (PROSPERO: CRD42021235581). Articles published in the English language between 2010 and 2020 with more than 50 patients were included. Results: Clinically significant in-field recurrence and out-of-field progression were detected to 22% and 29% PCa patients, respectively. Higher ISUP grade group, more positive cores at biopsy and bilateral disease were identified as the main risk factors for disease recurrence. The most common strategy for recurrence management was definitive therapy. Six months after focal HIFU therapy 98% of patients were totally continent and 80% of patients retained sufficient erections for sexual intercourse. The majority of complications presented in the early postoperative period and were classified as low-grade. Conclusions: This review highlights that focal HIFU therapy appears to be a safe procedure, while short-term cancer control rate is encouraging. Though, second-line treatment or active surveillance seems to be necessary in a significant number of patients.

Resumo Introdução Acidentes de trânsito são uma das principais causas de morte no Brasil e no mundo. Objetivo O estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma análise temporal da tendência de mortalidade por acidentes de transportes terrestres no Brasil. Método Estudo ecológico de séries temporais da mortalidade por acidentes de transporte terrestre no Brasil no período de 1997 a 2015 para a população masculina. Os dados são provenientes do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM), processados pelo Datasus e classificados nas rubricas V01 a V89 (CID-10). Foram calculadas as taxas específicas de mortalidade, ajustadas por idade, e realizada análise da tendência temporal através do software Joinpoint Regression Program. Resultados A população brasileira masculina não apresentou mudanças na taxa de mortalidade ao longo dos anos (-0.8%; CI 95% - 1.7;0.1). Dez estados tiveram aumento nas taxas de mortalidade, nove reduziram e oito mantiveram as taxas. Conclusão A população masculina não apresentou diferença nas taxas, entretanto, a população geral apresentou redução de 1% ao ano na taxa mortalidade. Além disso, ambas populações geral e masculina mostraram uma redução de 4,6% e 4,9% ao ano durante os últimos anos (2012- 2015).

Abstract Background Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death in Brazil and the increase in the mortality rate is concerning. Objective The study aims to perform a temporal analysis of mortality trends related to traffic accidents in Brazil and its states. Method This is an ecological study of time series of mortality from traffic accidents in Brazil and its Federative Units. Data was obtained from the Information System for Mortality (SIM), processed by Datasus and classified under the headings V01 to V89 (CID-10). Specific mortality rates were calculated and adjusted by age. The temporal tendency analysis was run on the Joinpoint Regression Program. Results The Brazilian male population showed no change in the average annual percentage for the mortality rate (-0.8%; CI 95% -1.7;0.1). Ten states showed increased mortality rates; nine presented a decline, and eight remained constant throughout the period. Conclusion The male population showed no change in the rates, but the mortality rate for the general Brazilian population decreased by 1% per year from 1997 to 2015. Both general and male populations had a decrease of 4.6% and 4.9% per year during the last years, respectively (2012-2015).

Abstract This work investigates the effect of the addition of glycerol on the microstructure, corrosion resistance, and efficiency of the electrodeposition process of Cu coating in an acid sulphate solution. The morphology and microstructures of electrodeposits were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Spectrometry X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Evaluation of the corrosion resistance was performed in 2.0 mol⋅L−1 NaCl by means of weight loss tests and electrochemical techniques. The addition of glycerol resulted in a decrease in grain and crystallite sizes, a decrease in roughness and an increase in the tensile strain of the coating. The deposition efficiency and the corrosion resistance increased with the addition of glycerol exhibiting a maximum value at the concentration of 0.42 mol⋅L−1, increasing the efficiency of electrodeposition by approximately 96%. This is related to the roughness of the coating, which is minimal at this concentration.

Resumo: O teste do etanol fornece informações sobre problemas fisiológicos relacionados à deterioração das sementes. A otimização do teste é fundamental para sua aplicação na rotina de análise de sementes. O objetivo foi avaliar o teste de vigor de sementes de Plathymenia reticulata com base na produção de etanol, a fim de estabelecer diretrizes de execução e relações com outros testes de vigor. Os lotes de sementes foram submetidos aos testes de germinação e vigor e avaliação do tegumento das sementes. A avaliação da produção de etanol foi realizada com base em dois ensaios testando volumes de água para embebição (0,25; 0,5; 0,75; 1,00; e 1,25 mL), períodos de leitura (2, 4, 6, 8, 24 e 48 h) e quantidades de sementes (5, 10 e 15). O teste do etanol foi eficiente para avaliação do vigor em sementes de P. reticulata, assim como os demais testes de vigor, quando realizados com 15 sementes embebidas em volume de água 2,5 vezes sua massa por 48 h. O teste de vigor baseado na produção de etanol mostrou-se confiável e é recomendado para uso em sistema de produção e comercialização de sementes em viveiros e empresas florestais.

Abstract: The ethanol test supplies information on physiological problems related to seed deterioration. The test optimization is crucial for its application in the seed analysis routine. This study aimed to evaluate vigor test for Plathymenia reticulataseeds based on ethanol production in order to establish execution guidelines and verify its relationship with other seed vigor tests. Seed lots were subjected to germination and vigor tests, and seed coat evaluation. Ethanol production assessment was carried out based on two trials testing water volumes for imbibition (0.25; 0.5; 0.75; 1.00; and 1.25 mL), reading periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 24, and 48 h), and seed quantities (5, 10, and 15). There was a distinction in physiological potential between the lots, indicated by the ethanol test and other traditionally used tests. The ethanol test was efficient for vigor assessment in Plathymenia seeds, as were the other vigor tests, when conducted with 15 seeds imbibed in a volume of water 2.5 times their mass for 48 h. The vigor test based on ethanol production proved reliable and it is recommended for use in a system of seed production and commercialization in nurseries and forestry companies.

Resumo: Testes rápidos que permitam a avaliação do potencial fisiológico são parâmetros essenciais para programas de produção de sementes e mudas com qualidade. O objetivo do trabalho foi estabelecer parâmetros de um método de avaliação do vigor de sementes de espécies nativas por meio da análise da produção de etanol, medido com etilômetro modificado. Foram testados seis lotes de Myracrodruon urundeuva, para cada lote foram colocadas 1,0 g e 2,0 g de sementes embebidas durante duas, quatro, seis, oito e 24 horas. Testou-se sete lotes de Cenostigma pyramidale, e cinco lotes de Amburana cearensis, onde foram colocadas 20 sementes embebidas durante duas, quatro, seis, oito e 24 h. A qualidade fisiológica das sementes foi avaliada, também, pelos testes de germinação e condutividade elétrica. A utilização de 1,0 g de sementes embebidas em 0,5 mL de água e avaliação de etanol em seis horas distinguiu lotes de M. urundeuva quanto ao vigor. Para as sementes de C. pyramidale, e de A. cearensis, 20 sementes embebidas em 1,0 mL de água em seis horas se mostrou mais eficiente. O teste de etanol mostrou ser rápido e preciso, permitindo diferenciar os lotes, assim como os testes de germinação e condutividade elétrica.

Abstract: Rapid tests that allow the assessment of physiological potential are essential parameters for quality seed and seedling production programs. The aim of this work was to establish parameters of a method for evaluating the vigor of seeds of native species through the analysis of ethanol production, measured with a modified alcohol meter. Six lots of Myracrodruon urundeuva were tested, and for each lot 1.0 g and 2.0 g of seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 hours. Seven lots of Cenostigma pyramidale and five lots of Amburana cearensis were tested, where 20 seeds were soaked for two, four, six, eight and 24 h. The physiological quality of the seeds was also evaluated by germination and electrical conductivity tests. The use of 1.0 g of seeds soaked in 0.5 mL of water and evaluation of ethanol at six hours distinguished lots of M. urundeuva in terms of vigor. For C. pyramidale and A. cearensis, 20 seeds soaked in 1.0 mL of water and ethanol evaluation at six hours proved to be more efficient. The ethanol test proved to be fast and accurate, allowing differentiation of lots, as well as germination and electrical conductivity tests.

Ionomeric Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMCs) are sandwich-like materials based in a polymeric membrane covered on both sides by metallic electrodes. Its operation mechanism consists of hydrated ions migration in response to an external electrical field generated between the electrodes, leading to a spatially nonuniform mass accumulation which causes the device to bend. Its performance as an actuator depends mainly on the environment's relative humidity and electrical stimuli. Consequently, IPMCs present variations in the electromechanical properties exhibiting nonlinearities and time-varying behaviors, limiting the major applications. For this reason, this paper investigated a PI controller performance to overcome these drawbacks and effectively control a Nafion-based IPMC-Li+ exposed to different relative humidities and electrical stimulis. The PI control system uses a camera with a machine vision application as a feedback sensor. Support instrumentation was developed to control the relative humidity, apply an electrical stimulus, and measure the electromechanical response. The pattern recognition algorithm implemented in the controller is efficient, with accuracy above 95%, making the feedback sensor reliable. Therefore, the PI controller was effective, stable, and capable of controlling and characterizing IPMC devices when relative humidity was above 60% at a low-frequency displacement and avoided the undesired back-relaxation phenomenon.

Resumo A pandemia causada pelo Coronavírus da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) e o distanciamento social causaram impactos sobre a saúde das pessoas. Dentre eles tem-se o estresse ambiental, compreendido como um conjunto de reações objetivas e subjetivas que ocorrem quando as pessoas enfrentam influências negativas presentes no ambiente. Objetivou-se investigar variáveis associadas ao estresse ambiental domiciliar durante a pandemia de coronavírus no Brasil. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa online com 2000 brasileiros com idade média 38,7 anos (DP = 14,55), sendo que 76,80% eram mulheres. Os resultados mostraram que 81,90% (f = 1.639) da amostra apresentaram algum nível de estresse ambiental, que foi predito pela região geográfica (norte e nordeste brasileiro), menor renda, menor avaliação da qualidade residencial e a falta de um ambiente restaurador na casa. Conclui-se com a identificação de alguns fatores ambientais negativos e positivos associados ao estresse ambiental, que pode auxiliar na implementação de políticas para o enfrentamento da Doença por Coronavírus-19 (COVID-19) e promoção de saúde mental no contexto da pandemia.

Abstract The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus pandemic and social distancing caused impacts on people’s health, among them, environmental stress – a set of objective and subjective reactions that occur when people face negative environmental influences. The objective was to investigate variables associated with residential environment stress during the pandemic in Brazil. An online survey was carried out with 2000 Brazilians with a mean age of 38.7 years (SD = 14.55), 76.80% of whom were women. The results showed that 81.90% (f = 1,639) of the sample had some level of environmental stress, predicted by geographic region (Brazil’s northern and northeastern regions), lower income, lower residential quality scores, and absence of a restorative environment. It is then concluded the identification of some negative and positive environmental factors associated with environmental stress, which may assist in the implementation of policies for coping with 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and promoting mental health in the pandemic context.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the use of endocavitary ultrasound probe as an auxiliary tool when performing partial nephrectomy in cases of endophytic renal tumors, to standardize the method, and to report the preliminary results achieved with this technique. Methods: Fifteen patients diagnosed with completely endophytic underwent partial nephrectomy with the use of an endocavitary ultrasound probe. This article describes the technique involved in partial nephrectomy and details the preparation of the endocavitary ultrasound probe to ensure its safe use. Results: All the patients had a RENAL score between 8 and 11. The median time of warm ischemia was 26 and 18 minutes for laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery, respectively. The median duration of surgery was 150 minutes, and the median console time was 145 minutes for the laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery groups, respectively. The median estimate of blood loss was 200 mL. Only three patients in the laparoscopic group had focal positive surgical margins. There were no cases of infection at the site of probe entry. Conclusions: Intraoperative use of an endocavitary ultrasound probe for partial nephrectomy is possible and a safe alternative to the excision of endophytic tumors when neither robotic probes nor laparoscopic probes are available.

RESUMO Para avaliar o vigor das sementes, os testes de condutividade elétrica e etanol são metodologias rápidas e eficientes. Eles têm potencial para serem usados em diversas espécies, como o arroz-vermelho. No entanto, não existem protocolos ou informações sobre sua eficiência. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência, e definir parâmetros de execução para testes de condutividade elétrica e etanol, para avaliar o vigor de sementes de arroz vermelho. O estudo foi realizado com quatro lotes de arroz vermelho ‘BRS 901’, que foi submetido a teste de germinação, primeira contagem, envelhecimento acelerado e testes de emergência de plântulas em campo. O teste de condutividade elétrica foi realizado com 25, 50 e 100 sementes embebidas em 50 mL e 75 mL de água, a 25 °C e 30 °C, por 3, 6, 20 e 24 horas, respectivamente. O teste de etanol foi realizado com 50 e 100 sementes embebidas em um volume de água equivalente a 1 , 0 , 1 , 5 , 2 , 0 , 2 , 5 e 3 , 0 × a massa da amostra de sementes. Para avaliar o vigor de sementes de arroz vermelho, o teste de condutividade elétrica é um método eficiente quando realizado com 50 sementes embebidas em 50 mL de água a 25 °C por 20 horas. Já o teste do etanol é mais eficaz quando realizado com 50 sementes, em um volume de água 2 , 5 × a massa da amostra, a 40 °C por 24 horas.

ABSTRACT To evaluate seed vigor, electrical conductivity and ethanol tests are fast and efficient methodologies. They have the potential to be used in several species, such as red rice. However, there are no protocols or information about their efficiency. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the efficiency, and define parameters of execution for electrical conductivity and ethanol tests, to evaluate the vigor of red rice seeds. The study was conducted using four lots of ‘BRS 901’ red rice, which was subjected to a germination test, as well as first count, accelerated aging, and field seedling emergence tests. The electrical conductivity test was performed with 25, 50, and 100 seeds soaked in 50 mL and 75 mL of water, at 25 °C and 30 °C, for 3, 6, 20, and 24 hours, respectively. The ethanol test was performed with 50 and 100 seeds soaked in a volume of water equivalent to 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0× the mass of the seed sample. To assess the vigor of red rice seeds, the electrical conductivity test is an efficient method when conducted with 50 seeds soaked in 50 mL of water at 25 °C for 20 hours. Meanwhile, the ethanol test is most effective when performed with 50 seeds, in a volume of water that is 2.5× the mass of the sample, at 40 °C for 24 hours.